What: The Council of Fashion Designers of America is working closely with key retailers to support the finalists of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and other emerging designers. Unlike previous years, all 10 finalists of the CVFF have received $50,000 apiece in grants and mentorship based on their designated areas of need.

Why it is important: From exposure in their flagship stores, digital support, entrepreneurial workshops to access to merchandising and accounting teams, both department stores are providing strong support to young designers development.

Nordstrom will host an in-store installation at their New York City flagship, providing this year’s 10 finalists with exposure to the Nordstrom customer and the experience of working with a large-scale brick-and-mortar retailer. The retailer will also provide digital support and amplification opportunities through their channels. Nordstrom is giving the designers access to Nordstrom’s merchandising team, brand program team and accounting teams to talk through the nuances and structure of the tactical work that needs to go into scaling a business.

Saks Fifth Avenue is supporting emerging designers and promoting eight new voices in fashion through their accelerator program, The New Wave. The designers are CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist LaQuan Smith and alumni Alejandra Alonso Rojas and Reese Cooper, as well as ASHYA, A.W.A.K.E. Mode, BruceGlen, Busayo and Kimberly Goldson. The program offers onboarding boot camp, mentorship and entrepreneurial workshops. In addition, each brand is eligible to receive a USD 10,000 grant to support their business operations and growth, as well as dedicated marketing support from Saks.

This year’s 10 CVFF honorees are Batsheva Hay of Batsheva; Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta; Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa; Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka of House of Aama; Kenneth Nicholson of Kenneth Nicholson; Jameel Mohammed of Khiry; LaQuan Smith of LaQuan Smith; Abrima Erwiah of Studio One Eighty Nine; Edvin Thompson of Theophilio, and Willy Chavarria of Willy Chavarria.

CFDA, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom Give Boost to Emerging Designers 

Nordstrom and CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund In-Store Installation Nordstrom